Dialkenyl esters of aryloxyacetyl phosphonic acids as herbicides

ABSTRACT

COMPOUNDS OF THE FORMULA   (R-O-)2P(=O)-C(=O)-CH2-O-R&#39;&#39;   WHERE R IS ALKYL, PHENYL, ALKYLPHENYL, CHLOROALKYL, CYANOALKYL, ALLYL OR METHALLYL AND R&#39;&#39; IS MONO, DI OR TRIHALOPHENYL, PHENYL, ALKYL, PHENYL, RING HALO METHYL PHENYL, ALKOXYPHENYL ARE PREPARED BY (1) REACTING A COMPOUND HAVING THE FORMULA (RO)3P WITH A COMPOUND HAVING THE FORMULA,   R&#39;&#39;-O-CH2-C(=O)-CL   OR (2) BY REACTING A COMPOUND HAVING THE FORMULA   R&#39;&#39;-O-CH2-C(=O)-CL   THE PRODUCTS ARE USEFUL AS DESICCANTS AND AS HERBICIDES. THE ALKYL COMPOUNDS ARE PARTICULARLY EFFECTIVE AS SELECTIVE HERBICIDES FOR BROADLEAF PLANTS.

No Drawing.

States Patent 0 3,664,822 DIALKENYL ESTERS 0F ARYLOXYACETYL PHOSPI-IONIC ACIDS AS HERBICIDES Delta W. Gier, Laurinburg, N.C., assignor to Baychem "Corporation, New York, N.Y.

Division of application Ser. No. 675,356, Oct. 16, 1967, now Patent No. 3,562,361, dated Feb. 9, 1971, which is a continuation-in-part of applications Ser. No. 412,263, Nov. 18, 1964, now Patent No. 3,382,060, and Sen'No. 449,640, Apr. 20, 1965, now Patent No. 3,378,610. This application Feb. 24, 1970, Ser. No. 17,000

The portion of the term of the patent subsequent to May 7, 1985, has been disclaimed Int. Cl. A0111 9/36 US. C]. 71-86 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Compounds of the formula 3i (Rohl CcHzoR' where R is alkyl, phenyl, alkylphenyl, chloroalkyl, cyanoalkyl, allyl or methallyl and R is mono, di or trihalophenyl, phenyl, alkyl, phenyl, ring halo methyl phenyl, alkoxyphenyl are prepared by (1) reacting a compound having the formula (RO) P with a compound having the formula,

0 R'ocHz ci or (2) by reacting a compound having the formula 1 R'OCHzCl The products are useful as desiccants and as herbicides. The alkyl compounds are particularly effective as selective herbicides for broadleaf plants.

This application is a division of my copending application, Ser. No. 675,356, filed Oct. 16, 1967; now Pat. 3,562,361.

This application is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 449,640, filed Apr. 20, 1965, now Pat. 3,378,610, and application Ser. No. 412,263, filed Nov. 18, 1964, now Pat. 3,382,060.

This invention relates to novel phosphonates and their use as herbicides, defoliants and desiccants.

It is an object of the present invention to prepare new phosphonates.

Another object is to prepare improved compositions and processes for killing undesired plants.

An additional object is to prepare post-emergent herbicides.

A further object is to prepare pre-emergent herbicides.

Yet another object is to prepare formulations showing selective activity as pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides.

A still further objective is to desiccate plants, particularly cotton.

Another object is to defoliate plants, particularly cotton.

Still further objects and the entire scope of applica bility of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter; it should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

It has now been found that these objects can be attained by preparing phosphonates of the formula (R Chi i JCHgO R where R is alkyl or phenyl or alkyl phenyl, or lower alkenyl, preferably allyl or methallyl and R is phenyl, lower alkyl phenyl, lower alkoxyphenyl mono, di or trihalophenyl or halo methyl phenyl. The preferred halogen is chlorine. Compounds having the above formula exhibit herbicidal properties. Examples of compounds within the present invention include 0,0-dimethyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethyl-2-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethyl-Z-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethyl-2,4,S-tribromophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethyl-2,4-dichloro-S-bromophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethyl-2,4,S-trifiuorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diethyl-2-chlorophennoxyacetyl phosphonate, O,-O-diethyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diethyl-3-chlorophenoxy acetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diethyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diethyl-2,6--dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diethyl-3,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0diethyl-2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diethyl-2,4,S-triiodophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, O,O-diethyl-2Fmethyl-4-bromophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diethyl-2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diethyl-2,3,4-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diethyl-2,4,6-trichloropheuoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di3'-chloropropyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-5'-chloroamyl-4-chlorophenoxyacety1 phosphonate, 0,0-diisopropyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-2'-chloroethyl-2-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-2-cyanoisopropyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-3'-cyanopropyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-6-cyanohexy1-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-octadecyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-p-octylphenyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-2'-chloroethyl-2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diisopropyl-Z-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-2'-cyanisopropyl-2-rnethyl-4-chloro-phenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dihexyl-2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diisooctyl-2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dioctadecyl-2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-p-octylphenyl-Z-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-2'-chl0roethyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diisopropyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-2'-cyanoisopropyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate,

O,O-di-n-butyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate,

0,0-dihexyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diisooctyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethylallyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-2'-ethylhexyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dioctadecyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diphenyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-2'-chloroethyl-Z,4,S-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diisopropyl-2,4,S-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-2-cyanoisopropyl-2,4,S-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dihexyl-2,4,S-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dioctadecyl-2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-di-p-octylphenyl-2,4,S-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, O,O-diallylphenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethallylphenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diallyl-4-methylphenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethyla1lyl-4-methylphenoxyacety1 phosphonate, 0,0-diallyl-2-methylphenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diallyl-2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethallyl-2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethylallyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethyallyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diallyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethylallyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diallyl-2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethallyl-2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dially-2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-dimethylallyl-2,4,5-trifluorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diallyl-4-ethylphenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diallyl-4-t-butylphenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diallyl-4-methoxyphenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0-diallyl-4-ethoxyphenoxyacetyl phosphonate, 0,0'-dimethallyl-4-ethoxyphenoxyacetyl phosphonate.

The allyl and methallyl compounds where R' is lower alkylphenyl are particularly effective as selective preemergent herbicides for killing broadleaf plants.

The new compounds of the present invention are prepared by the following procedures.

PROCEDURE A A known quantity of the 'phenoxyacetyl chloride is placed in a reaction flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer, condenser and dropping funnel. (Solid acid chlorides were dissolved in a minimum of dry benzene while liquid acid chlorides were reacted without solvent.) Slightly more than an equimolar quantity of the desired tri alkyl phosphite was added dropwise to the phenoxy acetyl chloride with vigorous stirring. For 0.1 molar quantities, to minute periods were necessary for addition of the phosphite. In all cases, the reaction rates were relatively high and easily observable by liberation of heat. Following the addition of the phosphite, the reaction mixture was heated to 80-100 C. for 2-3 hours.

A vacuum was then applied to the reaction flask (0.5- 1.0 mm. pressure) and the product was stripped at a pot temperature of 110-150 C. All of the products obtained were clear to pale red oils, or semi-solids of high solubility in most organic solvents.

The essence of the above procedure is reacting the phenoxyacetyl chloride with a trialkyl phosphate and removing the organic chloride formed, preferably under reduced pressure.

PROCEDURE B A known quantity of the phenoxyacetyl chloride was placed in the reaction flask. (Solid acid chlorides were dissolved in a minimum of dry benzene while no solvent was used with liquid acid chlorides.) Slightly more than an equimolar quantity of the desired dialkyl hydrogen phosphite or diaryl hydrogen phosphite was added dropwise to the phenoxy acetyl chloride with vigorous stirring. For 0.1 molar quantities, 20 to 30 minutes periods were necessary for addition of the phosphite. In all cases, the reaction rates were relatively high and easily observable by liberation of heat. Following addition of the phosphite, aspirator vacuum (50-75 mm. pressure) was applied to the reaction flask through the condenser and the reaction mixture was heated to -110 C. for 2-3 hours.

A vacuum (0.5-1 mm. pressure) was then applied to the reaction flask and the product was stripped at a pot temperature of 150 C. All of the products obtained were clear to pale red oils-or semi-solids having a high solubility in most organic solvents.

The essence of procedure :B is reacting the phenoxyacetyl chloride with a dialkyl or diaryl hydrogen phosphite and removing the hydrogen chloride formed, preferably under reduced pressure.

PROCEDURE C 0.1 mole of the phenoxyacetyl chloride was placed in a reaction flask equipped with stirrer, thermometer, dropping funnel and side-arm leading to a collection flask in a Dry Ice-acetone bath and attached to variable vacuum. This was heated to 145 C., and a vacuum of about 40 mm. was applied and 0.1 mole of triallyl or trimethallyl phosphite was added dropwise. The temperature was maintained between C. and 155 C. by increase or decrease in vacuum. The allyl chloride or methallyl chloride formed was distilled and the desired phosphonate product remained in the flask. After all the phosphite was added the temperature was kept at 140-150 C., e.g. C. for 10 minutes under about 2 mm. vacuum.

The 0,0-dialkyl phosphonates can be prepared by either Procedure A or Procedure B. The 0,0-diaryl phosphonates can be prepared only by Procedure B.

Illustrative of starting phenoxy acetyl chlorides are 2-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride, 4-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetyl chloride, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetyl chloride, 2,4,5-tribromophenoxy acetyl chloride, 2,4,5-tribromophenoxy acetyl bromide, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride, phenoxyacetyl chloride, 4-methylphenoxy acetyl chloride, 4-methoxyphenoxyacetyl chloride.

Illustrative of starting phosphites for Procedure A are trimethyl phosphite, triethyl phosphite, dimethyl ethyl phosphite, tripropyl phosphite, triisopropyl phosphite, trin-butyl phosphite, trihexyl phosphite, tri-n-octyl phosphite, triisooctyl phosphite, tri(2-ethy1 hexyl) phosphite, and trilauryl phosphite.

Illustrative starting phosphites for Procedure B are dimethyl hydrogen phosphite, diethyl hydrogen phosphite, dipropyl hydrogen phosphite, diisopropyl hydrogen phosphite, di-n-butyl hydrogen phosphite, di-Z-ethyl hexyl hydrogen phosphite, diphenyl hydrogen phosphite, di-p-tolyl hydrogen phosphite.

Unless otherwise indicated all parts and percentages are by Weight.

Example 1 10.25 grams (0.05 mole) of p-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure A with 6.2 grams (0.05 mole) of trimethyl phosphite to give 6.7 grams (48% yield) of 0,0-dirnethyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetyl phosphonate as a clear oil; 11 1.4965; percent Cl 11.3 (12.7 theory); percent P 11.8 (11.1 theory).

Example 2 10.25 grams (0.05 mole) of p-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure A with 8.3 grams (0.05 mole) of triethyl phosphite to give 11.0

- 10.25 grains (0.05

grams (72% "yield); of-- O;-diethylM-chlorophenoxy acetyl phosphonate as a 'cle'ar' oil; 11 44955; percent 10.6 (theory 112); percent'P10.4 (theory I E m l i 1 mole) of 'p-chlorophe'noxy acetyl chloride wastreated according to Procedure A with 12.5 grams (0.05 'mole) of tri-n-butyl phosphite to' give "14.3 grams (78% yield) of O,O-di-n-butyl 4-chlorophenoxy acetylphosphonate as a clear oil; n 1.4904; 'percent Cl 9.4 (theory 9.7); percent P 8.4 (theory 8.5).

" Example 4 10.25 grams (0.05 mole) of p-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure B with 11.7 grams (0.05 mole) of diphenyl hydrogen phosphite to give 15.3 grams (75% yield) of 0,0-diphenyl-4chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate as a clear oil; n 1.5740; percent Cl 9.1 (theory 8.8); percent -P 8.1 (theory 7.7).

Example 5 10.25 grams (0.05 mole) of O-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure A with 6.2 grams (0.05 mole) of trimethyl phosphite to give 11.0 grams (78.6% yield) of 0,O-dimethyl-2-chlorophenoxy acetyl phosphonate as a clear oil; 21 1.5185; percent Cl 13.6 (theory 12.7); percentP 10.4 (theory 11.1).

Example 6 20.5 grams (0.1 mole) of O-chlorophenoxy acetyl chlo ride was treated according to Procedure A with 20 grams (0.12 mole) of triethyl phosphite to give 28.3 grams Example 8 10.25 grams (0.05 mole) of O-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure B with 11.7 grams (0.05 mole), of diphenyl hydrogen phosphite to give ,15 grams (74% yield) of 0,0-diphenyl-2-chlorophenoxy acetyl phosphonate as a light yellow oil; n 1.5703; percent CI 8.4 (theory 8.8); percent P 7.5 (theory 7.6).

Example 9 13.8 grams (0.05 mole) of 2,4,5-triclorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according. toProcedure A with 6.2 grams (0.05 mole) of trimethyl phosphite to give 13.0 grams (74.9% yield) of 0,0-dimethyl-2,4,S-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate as a white semi-solid; 11 1.5012; percent Cl 33 (theory3.1);percent P 8.3 (theory 8.8).v v p 1 .Example 10 53.6 grams (0.2 mole) of 2,4,5-trichlo'rophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated accordingto Procedure A with 33.2 grams '(0.2'mole) oftrieth'yl phosphite to give 65 grams (95.6% yield) of 0,0-diethyl-2,4,5 trichlorophenoxy acetyl phosphonate as a pale yellow semi-solid; n 1.5015; percent Cl 28.5 (theory 28.2); percent P 8.2 (theory 8.3).

Example 11 13.8 grams 0.05 mole) of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure A with 15.0 grams (0.06 mole) of tri-n-bntylphosphite to give 20.6 grams (80% yield) of 0,0-di-n-butyl-2,4,5-trichlorophe- 6 noxy acetyl phosphonate as a clear oil; 12 1.4950;'percent C1 23.8 (theory 24.5) percent P 7.8 (theory 7.2).

Example 12 13.8 grams (0.05 mole) of 2,4,5-tr ichlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure B with 11.7 grams (0.05 mole) of diphenyl hydrogen phosphite to give 16.6 grams (70% yield) of 0,0-diphenyl-2,4,5- trichlorophenoxy acetyl phosphonate as a pale yellow semi-solid; n 1.5715; percent Cl 19.5 (theory 22.5); percent P 7.2 (theory 6.6).

1 Example 13 11.55 grams (0.05 mole) of 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure A with 6.2 grams (0.05 mole) of trimethyl phosphite to give 14.3 grams (98% yield) of 0,0-dimethyl-2-methyl 4 chlorophenoxy acetyl phosphonate as a pale yellow oil, 10.3 (theory 10.6).

Example 14 20.1 grams (0.1 mole) of 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure A with 20 grams (0.12 mole) of triethyl phosphite to give 29.4 grams (99% yield) of 0,0-diethyl-2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetyl phosphonate as a pale pink oil; 11 1.5015; percent Cl 10.6 (theory 11.6); percent P 10.0 (theory 10.1).

Example 15 11.55 grams (0.05 mole) of 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure A with 12.5 grams (0.05 mole) of tri-n-butyl phosphite to give 18.6 grams (99% yield) of 0,0-di-n-butyl-2-methyl-4- chlorophenoxy acetyl phosphonate as a clear oil; 12 1.4974; percent Cl 9.7 (theory 9.4); percent P 7.9 (theory 8.3).

Example 16 11.55 grams (0.05 mole) of 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure B with 11.7 grams (0.05 mole) of diphenyl hydrogen phosphite to give 19.3 grams (99% yield) of 0,0-diphenyl-2- methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetyl phosphonate as a clear oil; n 1.5680; percent CI 8.5 (theory 8.5); percent P 8.2 (theory 7.4).

Example 17 10.25 grams (0.05 mole) of o-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure B with 15.3 'grams (0.05 mole) of di-2-ethyl hexyl hydrogen phosphite to give 17.8 grams (75 yield) of 0,0-di-2-ethyl hexyl-2- chlorophenoxy acetyl phosphonate as a clear oil; 11 1.4860; percent Cl 7.2 (theory 7.5); percent P 6.2 (theory 6.5).

Example 18 10.25 grams (0.05 mole) of p-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure B with 15.3 grams 0.05 mole) of di-2-ethyl hexyl hydrogen phosphite to give 17.8 grams (75 yield) of 0,0-di-2-ethyl hexyl-4- chlorophenoxy cetyl phosphonate as a clear oil; 11 1.4839; percent Cl 6.7 (theory 7.5); percent P 6.6 (theory 6.5).

Example. 19

11.55 grams (0.05 mole) of 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure B with 15.3 grams (0.05 mole) of di-Z-ethyl hexyl hydrogen phosphite to give 21 grams .yield) of 0,0-di-(2 ethyl hexyl)-(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetyl) phosphonate as clear oil; n 1.4858; percent Cl 7.0 (theor 7.2); percent P 5.5 (theory 6.3).

Example 20 13.8 grams (0.05 mole) of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetyl chloride was treated according to Procedure B with 15.3 grams (0.05 mole) of di-Z-ethyl hexyl hydrogen phosphite to give 15.8 grams (58% yield) of 0,0,-di-(2- ethyl hexyl)-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetyl) phosphonate as a clear oil; 11 1.4875; percent Cl 18.8 (theory 19.6); percent P 6.7 (theory 5.7)

Using Procedure A with the appropriate substituted phenoxyacetyl phosphite and the appropriate trialkyl or tri substituted alkyl phosphite, e.g. tri (2-chloroethyl) phosphite, tris (Z-cyanoisopropyl) phosphite, tris octadecyl phosphite there were obtained as shown in Table A the indicated chlorophenoxy acetyl phosphonates where X and Y indicated the substituents on the phenoxy group 8 chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate as a pale red oil (yield 54.5%).

Example 21.9 grams (0.1 mole) of Z-Inethyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl chloride was heated to 140 C., a vacuum of mm. applied and 20.2 grams (0.1 mole) of triallyl phosphite was added dropwise. The temperature was increased to 155 C. and the vacuum increased to 5 mm. for 30 minutes. The product was then stripped at 140 C. and 2 10 mm to give 0 O-diallyl-2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl 2 and R and R 1nd1cate the groups attached to the two avall phosphonate as a l yellow 011 (y1e1d 93% able oxygens of the phosphonate. As mdrcated 1n the table, R and R were the same. Example 26 Usmg Procedure B 1n s1m1lar fashron there was obtained The procedure of Example 25 was repeated replacing the 1nd1cated phosphonates wherein R and R were aryl. 15 the 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacety1 chloride by 0.1 mole TABLE A Percent 01 Percent P Percent X Y R and R yield Found Theory Found Theory -chloro 2-ehloroethy1. 98 27. 9 28.3 7. 9 8. 2 Do-- Isopropyl 92 10. 6 10.6 9.3 9.3 Do 2-cyanois0propy1. 91 9. 9 9. 5 7. 1 8. 3 exyl 93 8. 6 8. 5 7. 1 7. 4 Isooctyl 92 7. 8 7. 5 6. 0 6. 5 Oetadecyl 99 7.5 7.5 6.6 6.5 p-Octylphenyl. 99 9. 5 8. 7 6.7 7. 6 2-ehloroethyl 99 28.6 27. 4 7. 5 7. 9 Isopropyl 88 11. 0 10.2 8. 7 8. 9 2-eyan0isopr0pyl 67 11. 4 9. 1 7. 0 7. 9 Hexyl 99 9.0 8.2 6. 5 7.1 72 s. 0 7. 3 7. 3 6.3 99 4.1 4. 6 3. 7 4. 0 99 10.1 7. 9 6. 3 6. 9 89 22. a 22. 7 9. 7 9. 9 93 19. 8 21.0 9. 2 9. 2 98 34. 6 34.8 7. 4 7. 6 84 18. 4 19. 2 9. 0 8. 4 94 16.6 17. 4 7. 3 7. 6 98 18.1 17.9 7. 8 7.8 97 16. 8 15. 7 6. 6 6. 8 97 14. 6 14. 0 6. 6 6.1 78 13.0 14. 0 6. 8 6.1 99 8. 3 9. 0 3. 7 3. 9 92 12. 4 14. 9 6. 6 6. 5 84 17.0 16. 2 7. 8 7.1 85.3 38. 6 39. 9 7. 0 7. 0 69 29.7 26. 6 6. 7 7. 7 52 21. 0 25.1 6.1 7. 3 69 19. 6 21.8 6. 6 6. 4 81 17. 6 19. 6 6. 0 5. 7 Octadecyl 99 14. 2 13.0 3. 7 3. 8 Do p-Octylphenyl. 73 21. 1 20. 9 6. 3 6. 1

Example 21 of 2,4-d1chlorophenoxyacetyl chloride to produce O,O'-d1- To 17.05 gram (0.1 mole) of phenoxyacetyl chloride there was added dropwise 20.2 grams (0.1 mole) of tris allyl phosphite. No heat was liberated. Vacuum was applied (80 mm.) and the mixture was heated slowly up to 150 C. while removing allyl chloride. There was obtained as the product 0,0-diallyl phenoxyacetyl phosphonate as a pale yellow oil (yield about 100%). It was restripped at 140 C. at 2 mm. to give the purified product as a pale red oil in an amount of 44% Example 22 The procedure of Example 21 was repeated, replacing the phenoxyacetyl chloride by 0.1 mole of p-toloxyacetyl chloride (4-methylphenoxyacetyl chloride) to obtain 0,0- diallyl-4-methylphenoxyacetyl chloride as a pale red oil, yield 34% Example 23 Example 24 The procedure of Example 23 was repeated, replacing the p-rnethoxyphenoxyacetyl chloride by 0.1 mole of pchlorophenoxyacetyl chloride to obtain 0,0-diallyl-4- allyl-2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate as a solid, M.P. C. in a yield of 51%.

'Example 27 The procedure of Example 25 was repeated replacing the 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl chloride by 0.1 mole of 2,4,S-trichlorophenoxyacetyl chloride to produce 0,0- diallyl-2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate as a pale red oil (yield 30% Example 28 17.1 gram (0.1 mole) of phenoxyacetyl chloride washeated to -110" C., a vacuum of 40-50 mm. was applied and 24.4 grams (0.1 mole) of trimethallyl phosphite was added dropwise. The vacuum was increased to 5 mm. for 30 minutes. The product was then stripped at C. and 2 mm. to give 0,0-dimethallyl phenoxyacetyl phosphonate as a pale yellow oil (yield 89% Example 29 The procedure of Example 28 was repeated replacing the phenoxyacetyl chloride by 0.1 mole of 4-methylphenoxyacetal chloride to produce 0,0-dimethyallyl-4-methylphenoxyacetal phosphonate as a yellow oil (yield 86%).

Example 30 The procedure of Example 28 was repeated replacing the phenoxyacetyl chloride by 0.1 mole of 4-methoxyphenoxyacetyl chloride to produce 0,0-dimethallyl-4-methoxyphenoxyacetyl phosphonate as an oil (yield 99% the phenoxyacetyl chloride b 9 Example 31 noxyacetyl chloride to produce 0,0-dimethallylechlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate as a yellow oil e1d.94%-).

. Example 32 The procedure of Example 28 was. repeated replacing chlorophenqxyacetylchloride, roduce-Opdimethallyl- 2 methyl-4-chlorophehoxyacetyl phosphonate as a yellow Examp e 33 ,The, of was repeated replacing the phenoxyacetyl, chloride by' 0.1. mole of 2,4-dichlorophjenoxyacetyl"chloride, to'produce 0,0-dimethallyl-2,4-

dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonateas a white waxy solid, M.P. 80f C. (yield 83 I Example 34 The procedure of Example 28 was repeated replacing the phenoxyacetyl chloride'by 0.1 mole of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetyl chloride to produce 0,0-dimethallyl-2,4,5- trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonate as a white waxy solid (yield 70%). y

The compounds'of the present invention can be used alone as herbicides, defoliants or desiccants but it has been found desirable to apply them together with inert solids to form dusts, or more preferably suspended in a suitable "ethylene, esters such as ethyl acetate, amyl acetate and butyl acetate, ethe'rs, e;g'.'" ethylene glycol monomethyl ether and diethyleneglycol'monomethyl ether, alcohols,

e.g. ethanol, isopropanol and amyl alcohol, etc.

The herbicides, defoliants and-desiccants of the present invention can also be applied with inert herbicidal adjuvants or carriers such as talc, pyrophyllite, synthetic fine silica, Attaclay, kieselguh'r'," chalk, diatomaceous earth,

lime, calcium carbonate, bento'nite, fullers earth, cottonseed hulls, wheat flour, soyabean flour, pumice, tripoli, wood flour, walnut shell flour, redwood flour and lignin. It is frequently desirable to incorporate a surface active agent in the herbi'cidaLdefoliant or desiccant compositions of this invention. Such surface active agents, i.e., wetting agents, are advantageously employed in both the solid and liquid compositions. The surface active agent can be anionic, cationic or nonionic in character. Typical classes of surface active agents include alkyl sulfonate salts, alkylaryl sulfonate. salts, alkyl .sulfate salts, alkylamide sulfonate salts, alkylaryl polyether alcohols, fatty acid esters of polyhydric'alcohols and the alkylene oxide addition products' of jsuch esters, and addition productsfof long chain mercaptans and iallylene oxides. Typical examples of such surface active agents include the sodium alkyl benzene sulfonates having 14 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, alkylphenolethylene oxide condensation 'products, 'eJg.'p-isooctylphenol condensed with ethyleneoxide" units,- soaps, "elg. sodium stearate and potassium-oleate', sodium salt of propylnaphthalene sulfonic acid, (di-2-ethyl hexyl) ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium salt of the sulfonated monoglyceride of cocoanut fatty acids, sorbitan 'sesquioleate, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, octadecyl trimethyl ammonium"chloridefpolyethylene glycol lauryl ether, polyethylene esters of fatty acids and-resin acids, e.g.-Ethofat 7-and 13, sodium N- methyl N-oleyltaurate, Turkey red oil," sodium dibu t ylnaphthalene sulfonate, sodium lignin sulfonate-(Marasperse N), polyethylene glycol stearate, sodium,'dodecy1 benzene sulfonate,-*tertiary dodecyl polyethylene glycol thioether (Nonionic 218), long chain ethylene oxide propylene oxide condensation product, e.g. Pluronic 61, sorbitan monolaurate, polyethylene glycol ester of tall oil acids, sodium octylphenoxyethoxyethyl sulfate, tris (polyoxyethylene) sorbitan monostearate (Tween 60), sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate.

The solid and liquid formulations can be prepared by any of the conventional methods. Thus the active ingredient can be mixed with the solid carrier in finely divided form in amounts small enough to preserve the freeflowing property of the final dust composition.

When using the compounds as defoliants or desiccants, they of course should be used in an amount less than that which will have a herbicidal effect on the plants to be defoliated or desiccated. While the compounds are primarily useful in the defoliant and desiccant field with cotton, they can also be employed to defoliate or desiccate other crops such as beans for example.

In the following examples or tables illustrating herbicidal activity the phosphonates were formulated into the following pre-mix, the parts being expressed by volume.

8 parts of a mixture of mono-, diand trimethyl naphthalenes (Velsicol AR 50 G) 1 part butyl carbitol acetate 1 part Triton X 161 (a mixture of p-octylphenol-ethylene oxide adduct containing about 16 ethylene oxide units together with a sodium alkylphenol sulfonate) Two pounds per gallon of the test chemical were added to this pre-mix. i

In the pre-emergent herbicide tests the efiiciency of the candidate was measured by planting the indicated plants in soil and spraying the surface of the soil with the chemical the same day the plants are planted.

In the post-emergent herbicide test, the plants were allowed to grow for 10-14 days prior to application of the herbicides.

In the following tables the effects of the herbicide is mentioned on the scale from 0-10 where 0 is no effect and 10 is complete herbicide effect, namely 100% dead plants.

In the tables the rates are expressed in pounds of active ingredient per acre.

Table 1 is a preliminary post-emergent herbicide test and Table 2 is a preliminary pre-emergent herbicide test.

In all of the herbicide tables the compounds employed have the following formula:

where R and R have the indicated values.

Because these preliminary tests showed good herbicidal results the testingwas repeated and expanded to include other compounds withinthe formula as set forth in following Tables 3-8. As can be seen from Tables 3-8 the compounds of the present invention show selective activity as pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides. Thus O,O-diallyl-4-methylphenoxyacetyl phosphonate,

0,0-diallyla4-methoxyphenoxyacetyl phosphonate,

0,0-dimethylallyl-4-methylphenoxyacetyl phosphonate and 0,0-dimethallyl-4-methoxyphenoxyacetyl phosphonate showed excellent selectivity as pre-emergent herbicides for Oats 12 0,0-di-(2-ethyl hexy1)-(4-chlorophenoxy acetyl) phosphonate as well as the allyl and methallyl esters of 5 4-chlorophen0xyacetyl phosphonic acid,

2-rnethy1-4-chlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonic acid and 2,4,S-trichlorophenoxyacetyl phosphonic acid exhibit high herbicidal activity on broadleaf plants ac- QO-diphenyl-(4-chlorophenoxyacetyl) phosphonate, and 10 companied by effective action against grasses.

TABLE 1 Sugar R Rate Flax beets Radish Bean Wheat 1 1 Furthermore, several of the compounds including 0,0-dimethy1-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetyl) phosphonate, 0,0-di-n-butyl-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetyl) phosphonate, 0,0-diphenyl-(2,4,5-trichlor0phenoxy acetyl) phosphonate, 0,0-diethyl-(4-chlorophenoxy acetyl) phosphonate, 0,0-di-n-buty1-(4-chlor0phenoxy acetyl) phosphonate,

Nmm 058282 2 Y. L y Hp. 80. hm. P 1 ON H me mum. mwm tmm wmh 222 "n" 1.. yOO mDD E Oats Sugar beets Radish Bean Wheat TABLE 2 Rate Flax m58282 "w.. "m Wm eon hm. D1 oh TOD am .mww

5 Ana 222 1 W tDD E Flax Whea Sugar Oats beets Radish TABLE 3 Primary Screening-P0st'Emergence Activity Rate TABLE 6.SECONDARY SCREENI N GPRE E ME R G ENCE ACTIVITY Sugar' Corn Wheat Flax Cotton Radish beets Alfalfa Snap; --Cuc. beans &5-D874735643733320422710887977767883340 66602 TABLE 7 Primary Screening Pre-Emergent Activity Flax Wheat Sugar Oats beets Radish Rate . 00 mm m mmmim 0O 97735099mm99 2,4-d1chl oropheny1- ..............do-;-.-.-

In the following table illustrating defoliant and desiccant activity, the phosphonates were formulated into a mixture containing 0.5 gram of the test chemical in ml. of acetone containing 3 of Tween 20 [tris(polyoxyethylene)sorbitan mono laurate]. This mixture was sprayed on cotton plants in the flowering stage of development using the indicated dosages in pounds of active ingredient per acre. Observations were made 7 days after spraying the plants. -In some instances only the desiccation effect was recorded and in other cases the results of both defoliation and desiceation were noted. The results are set forth in Table 9. The compounds employed in Table 9 had the formula Xu Y TABLE 9 Rate Percent Percent (lbs defolladesicca- X Y R and R acre) tion tion l-chloro Hydrogen.-- Methyl--.-{ g kg 22 Do .do Ethyl.-..-{ 2 8:2 2% Do --do----..- n-Butyl...{ g 8 Do .do 2'-ethyl- 8 0 45 hexyl. Do .do....... Phenol g 3 2g 2-chloro do.. Ethyl. g g g Do --do n-Butyl---{ g Do -.do------ 2-ethyl- 8 28,6 50

hexyl. Do-. do. Phenyluui g 2 4-ehloro.- 2-methyl Methyl....{ g 3 Do do---- Ethy1. g &3 Do .-do n-Butyl g g Do do 2-ethyl- 8 0 50 hexyl. Do -.do PhenyL... g g 22% 2,4,5-trlchloro--- Hydrogen--- Methyl g 8 Do --do Eth 1-..- g g gg 8 0 70 2 0 75 8 O 70 2 12.5

TABLE-S Primary Screening Post-Emergent Activity R Rate Oats b iaiiii Radish Flax Wheat- Phen ..:.L.. .'.'...A11 1...........; g I g 6 i Q 51 11; f a S i f i 3 3 p -Methox yphenyl -i S i g i; 3 jlfimm nrihnnvl I V g i I g g g i 2-methyl-4chlorophenyl. ."'.do:.. g E g g g i 2,-t-dlchlorophenyl g 2 i8 3 g g 2,4,5-trlchlorophenyl I g g is g g g Phenyl Metlllallyl g i g g 5 p-TolyL. M S i Z i (i p-Methoxyphenyl 2 3 Z g l p-Chlorophenyl g i 4 i g g 2-methyl-4 chlorophenyl g g g g i g 2,4-dlehloropheny1 3 3 g g g i 2,4,5-trlchlorophenyl g g g g 3 1 TABLE 9-Continued Rate Percent Percent (lbs deioliadesicca- X Y R and R acre) tlon tton Do do Pl1enyl.--.{ g g 4chloro do 2-chloro- 8 0 ethyl. 2 0

Do -.do Isopr0py1 g 8 D0 2-methyl. 2chloro- 8 0 ethyl. 2 0

Do ..do Isopropyl.{ g S2 D0 ..do Octadecyl. 8 10 2,4-diehloro Hydrogen... Methyl..-.{ g 8 95 Do ..do Isopropyl- 3 32 D0 ..do 2'-chloro 8 50 ethyl. 2 50 Do --do n-Butyl... 3 2g hexyl. 2 65 do Octadeeyl. 8 30 Do -do Phenyl.--.{ g 2,4,5-trichloro ..do 2-chloro- 8 45 ethyl. 2 35 Do ..d0 Isopropyl.{ g Do .do Octadecyl- 8 30 The herbicides of the present invention, and particularly the allyl esters show high activity as preand postemergent herbicides, high selectivity in both grasses and broad leaf plants, high solubility in solvents which renders it easy to prepare formulations and low mammalian toxicity.

What is claimed is:

1. A process of killing undesirable plants comprising applying to the plants a herbicidally elfective amount of a compound having the formula:

(R Chi i CHzOR' where R is alkenyl of 3 to 4 carbon atoms, R is selected from the group consisting of mono, di and trichlorophenyl, monochloro monomethyl phenyl, phenyl, lower alkyl phenyl and lower alkoxy phenyl.

2. A process according to claim 1 wherein the herbicide is applied to the soil containing the plants prior to emergence of the plants.

3. A process according to claim 2 wherein R is lower alkylphenyl or lower alkoxyphenyl and the herbicide is applied to a field planted with a narrow leaf crop containing undesired broad leaf plants and the herbicide is 5. A process according to claim 1 wherein the lower alkyl phenyl has 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and the lower alkoxy phenyl has 1 to 2 carbon atoms in the alkoxy group.

6. A process according to claim 5 wherein the alkyl phenyl is methyl phenyl, ethyl phenyl or butyl phenyl. l0

7. A process according to claim 5 wherein the alkyl phenyl is methyl phenyl and the alkoxy phenyl is methoxy phenyl.

8. A process according to claim 1 wherein R is 4- chlorophenyl, 2,4-dichloropheny1, 2,4,S-trichlorophenyl,

20 2-methyl-4-chlorophenyl, phenyl, Z-methylphenyl, 4- methylphenyl or 4-methoxyphenyl.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS' 3,382,060 5/1968 Gier 71586 3,511,633 5/1970 Kleiman et a1. '7186' 3,472,920 10/1969 Schraderetal 71 s7- 3,157,685 11/1964 Szabo et al 71 -86 LEWIS GOTTS, Primary Examiner G. HOLLRAH, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

